GREEN BAY (WLUK) — The Packers will suit up for their first preseason game on Thursday at Pittsburgh. It’s the first showcase for many Packer rookies to highlight what they can do.
Some rookies on the roster said there’s really no jitters, it’s just the game of football they’ve been playing for years.
“For me it’s just football, yes we’re at the highest level that there is but I’ve always said, preparation takes away all doubt right, so, the more prepared you are, the less doubt you’ll have and less stress and everything,” said Defensive Tackle Chris McClellan.
“You don’t do anything out of the ordinary, you just do what you’re supposed to do, you read what you’re supposed to read and try to go out there and make the plays that come to you,” said rookie Cornerback Brandon Cisse. “That’s just how I approach it, just trying to get better at those things every day and one play at a time.”
“Just trust yourself and go with what you know about the field and go about what the wind is going to do. Sometimes, I block out the wind, it’s like a mental factor so hopefully just hit a straight ball and it goes in,” said rookie kicker Trey Smack.
For the veteran guys like Zaire Franklin and Christian Watson… the importance of these games for the younger players is vital but don’t be afraid of the moment.
“It’s going to be cool to see them make plays like they should, that’s always going to turn me up but they always say you want to slow a guy down, not speed them up,” said Franklin. “If you’re going to make a mistake, make it 100 miles per hour, just go out there have fun, let it rip, don’t think, just play. You’re a rookie, you’re supposed to make mistakes.”
“There’s a lot of thinking and a lot of stuff going through their heads at practice, young guys trying to find their footing in the new offense and everything, obviously trying to do their best to make plays,” said Watson. “Just go out there and make plays on Thursday and everything else will handle itself.”
As for rookie Cornerback Domani Jackson who had core muscle surgery this offseason, head coach Matt LaFleur said on Tuesday that “hopefully he’ll be back out there shortly.”